Rural cops raid late-night party in Lonavla, detain 47

Police officials have recovered a large quantity of alcohol, which was procured without a licence from the excise department; say some of the women detained may be bar girls

The rural police claimed to have busted a party in the wee hours of Wednesday at a private bungalow near Pavana dam in Lonavla, detaining as many as 47 patrons, including 12 women, under relevant sections of Bombay Police Act and Bombay Prohibition Act. Cops suspect that the female are bar girls, but said it is premature to come to a conclusion.

Fun’s over! As many as 47 attendees, including 12 women, were detained by police during the raid at the Lonavla bungalow. Pics/Navnath Kapel

Police have recovered a large quantity of alcohol, which was procured without a licence from the excise department, and booked the hosts for playing loud music till late at night. All those detained – belonging to Mumbai and adjoining areas – are working professionals, who had rented the bungalow to have a booze binge.

“We received a tip-off that a private party was going on at this accommodation and along with alcohol, contrabands like drugs, brown sugar were also being used,” said Vaibhav Kalubarme, deputy superintendent of police (Lonavla division). He cautioned that it was too early to label the women as bar girls, but said that the possibility can’t be ruled out.

Cops said that when they raided the place, all the attendees were in inebriated condition, and were dancing to loud music while alcohol was flowing in abundance. They added that the liquor was procured without necessary permission from state excise department.